Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

James Haynes
James Haynes

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